Where does counsel sit for a plaintiff and a defendant in a courtroom and why?

Answer 1

Normally, counsel sits next to the defendant and the plaintiff at separate tables on each side and in front of, the judge. In courtrooms where I have been, counsels are also seated between the defendant and plantiff as to prevent them from "going at" each other.

Answer 2

In MOST cases, the plaintiff, (in most criminal cases the state) sits closes to the jury to the left of the judge (from the judge's viewpoint) and the defendent sits to the judge's right.

The old common law understood the premis that the defendent was innocent until proven guilty so removed (as far as possible) the defendent from the scrutiny of the court.

Answer 3

The plaintiff sits at the table closest to the jury box. Defendant sits at the other table.
This is b/c the plaintiff has the burdon of proof.